The ever-active, ever-loving Berman family is back and forth for Vineyard days again. Saddened by the loss of their dear Annie Lou, who passed last winter, and in honor of her love of the Vineyard, the Berman clan has gathered to create more family memories. The Brooklyn Bermans — Greg, Carolyn, Hannah and Milly — have arrived after picking Hannah up at a summer program for rising seniors at Brown University.

Hannah will be applying for college this autumn. Milly is still honing her skills as a master chef and promises to bake a fabulous cake to share with her cousin Teddy during their birthday visits here. Paddle boarding, lobster rolls, beaching, tubing with grandpa and time with the group at the West Chop Club are on the to-do list.

MJ has brought Teddy, Charlie and the twins, Scotty and Nelly. To think, I knew the Bermans before they even had grandchildren! Say hello when you see this active family out and about.

If I could be anywhere this Sunday it would be at the Field Gallery on July 24 at 5 p.m. for the opening of the show by two of my very favorite young Island artists, Colin Ruel and Ben Johnson. Check it out and buy some of their fabulous work while it is still available. I believe in buying from living artists. They are the ones who need the money for paint, supplies, lunch and mounting shows. Trust me, these two are going to be very famous, very soon.

Speaking of art, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse has an exhibit of Harry Seymour’s work titled The Vineyard in Black and White. To die for! While viewing his work, get on board for any of the offerings this summer from the playhouse — Much Ado About Nothing, Tisbury outdoor amphitheatre presen

tations, and a selection of great plays and events. Telephone is 508-696-6300.

In the arts, which is what we do so well here in season, Kay wants you to know her group, Dramatic Innovation/Scriptopia, is co-presenting with the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society on July 25 at 7:30 p.m. The presentation of Young Americans includes the work of John Monsky, a renowned collector and history enthusiast, chronicling the race to the moon with rare archival footage and intimate interviews. This will be a combination of state of the art projection mixed with a staging area for live performances. The show includes two great David Bowie tunes that emerged from his exploration of space for his music. I think we all can pretty well guess which two tunes are used. Everyone is welcome, admission is $12 for nonmembers, $9 for those who have joined the MVFS. Time to pick up your membership.

Further art exhibits: Is he mad? Is he a potter? Yes to both. The whimsical work of William O’Callaghan is displayed at Art in the Stacks at our town library during regular library hours. Be sure to check it out. Three of our best Brazilian musicians will be offering a free jazz trio performance in the main room of our library on Wednesday, July 27 at 7 p.m.

Condolences to the family and friends of two iconic Island women: Ruth Stiller and Marianne Thomas. I never met more cheerful, interesting and kind ladies than these two. They both made our lives here so much better. Thank you.

Get well wishes go out to my lovely young friend, Kara Best, who had an unusual and scary accident and has been laid up all week. Lots of blood, lots of stitches, lots of bed rest. If you miss this redheaded beauty at Cumby’s, now you know why. She is soldiering on from her bed, directing charming young son Christian in artistic activities. Last picture I had of them they were making themselves flower crowns like 1960s hippies. I am sure Kara could use some help with shopping, errands and amusing the very active young man.

Belated birthday greetings to my favorite Italian from Brooklyn, the kind, the caring, the interesting Filomena Campagniolo. Filomena celebrated on July 19.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Katherine Anderson, Jenny Lehman, Nicole Christopher and Bekki Willems-Solco Friday, July 22; Tyler Burt and Sapna Bahal celebrate on July 23; July 24 is a party for Lilly Clark, Milly Gerber Lockington and Judy Gersh Worthington; July 25 is shared by Larry Conroy and Tom Colligan, Jr.; July 26 shines on Sal Esposito, Rory Elizabeth Mayhew, Amy Hambrecht, Martha Chappell, Sarah Swift and Kellie Burtch; July 27 is claimed by Vicki Burrows, Liz Masi, Michael Cobban, Caleb Enos, Megan Honey, Buntie Bahal, Connie Campbell and Theo Cowett; and on July 28 Andrew Chappell, Sarah Moreis, Jane Martin and Keiko Corey take the cake. Many happy returns.

Send Vineyard Haven news to iklean@yahoo.com.